San Sebastián: There’s No Better Plan

After 25 years without a bullring, San Sebastián inaugurated its new multi-purpose arena in 1998. Although architecturally and geographically far removed from the beloved old Chofre bullring, Illumbe brought the Basque capital back to the centre of the bullfighting calendar and into the spotlight once again.

Since then, all the leading figures and promising talents have paraded through its ring during the Semana Grande festivities. In 2025, the fair returns with a carefully curated programme concentrated into just three days – 14th, 15th, and 16th August – featuring some of the most prominent names across all three professional tiers.

The festival kicks off on Thursday 14th August with a corrida de toros from the prestigious Vellosino ranch, showcasing two elegant, artistic matadors – Juan Ortega and Pablo Aguado – joined by Borja Jiménez, the Sevillian whose rise through the ranks in recent seasons has been nothing short of meteoric. A proven success in Spain’s most important bullfighting fairs, Jiménez arrives in San Sebastián at the peak of his career.

On Friday 15th August, the spotlight falls on Marco Pérez, the teenage prodigy who made headlines aged just seven with his first public appearance and, by 17, had already taken the profession by storm. He faced six young bulls alone at Madrid’s San Isidro fair – one of the sport’s toughest challenges – and has since transformed into one of the most exciting matadors of the new generation.

His billing could not be more fitting: sharing the poster is Morante de la Puebla, widely considered the matador of the year. With unforgettable performances in Seville, Madrid, Jerez, Salamanca, and Pamplona, Morante arrives in San Sebastián aiming to claim the coveted Concha de Oro, awarded to the most outstanding bullfighter of the fair.

Completing the day’s lineup is novillera Olga Casado, who caused a sensation last winter at the charity festival in Madrid’s Vistalegre arena, raising funds for those affected by the Dana floods in eastern Spain. She made her debut with picadors in Olivenza earlier this year and continues to build a career full of promise. Illumbe will mark her debut in a first-class bullring.

The livestock on offer ensures the highest quality: bulls from Núñez del Cuvillo and young bulls from La Purísima guarantee excitement and spectacle. The fair concludes on Saturday 16th August with a corrida de toros from Zalduendo, featuring two veterans of the arena – José María Manzanares and Alejandro Talavante, each with over two decades of experience – alongside Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza, the brilliant heir to his father’s legacy and a leading figure in mounted bullfighting (rejoneo). Guillermo recently cut a rare rabo (entire tail) in Pamplona’s Feria de San Fermín, underlining his status as one of the elite in his discipline.

Three impressive line-ups in a modern, comfortable arena nestled in the hills above a city bursting with life, flavour and charm. Add to that the refreshing breeze of the Cantabrian Sea and you have the perfect summer plan.
Don’t bother looking elsewhere – you won’t find anything better.